05/28/2026
Nominations are open! Submit your nominations today!
Nominate at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaP1Ecn9XvBCB7RwU6Wpndw8Ss5S8t8yMrIEeYJ2jkGrk7hg/viewform
WVAAPP Board takes pride in recognizing and
awarding outstanding commitment and dedication in the field of addiction treatment, prevention and recovery. Membership is not required but is taken into consideration. Members in good standing in the association are eligible to make nominations for the awards. NOMINATIONS CLOSE JUNE 1, 2026
Please note- you will need to submit a separate form for each nomination.
New Frontier Award:
The individual honored with the New Frontier Award is someone who is new to the
field of treatment, recovery or prevention. They must have been in the field for two (2)
years or less and have demonstrated commitment and dedication in efforts
through treatment, education, or other avenues to advance in the field of
addiction treatment, recovery and prevention.
Distinguished Service Award:
The individual honored with the Distinguished Service Award is someone who has
demonstrated commitment and dedication in efforts through treatment, education,
or other avenues in the field of addiction treatment, recovery and prevention.
The nominee must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a minimum of fifteen (15) years in the addiction counseling, recovery support or prevention profession and/or administration; 2. Possess a strong dedication to the addiction profession as demonstrated by his/her involvement in and commitment to a variety of key organizations; 3. The person or group of persons nominating the candidate must be able to document the individual's involvement in the profession and explain how the person has enhanced the profession.
Ronni Rittenhouse Counselor of the Year Award:
The recipient of this award is one who represents
what we all strive for: commitment and dedication to the profession and treatment of addicted individuals. This addiction professional is one we will recognize as having the qualities and dedication to be named WVAAPP’s Counselor
of the Year.
The criteria for eligibility 1. Be currently employed as an addiction counseling professional; 2. Be an active member in good standing of the WVAAPP; 3. Be working with clients/patients for a sustained period with individual and/or group contact to foster recovery from addictive disorders; 4. Preferably, be certified or as an addiction professional; 5. Be actively working as a counselor for not less than three years prior to receiving the "Counselor of the Year" award; 6. Have demonstrated to the satisfaction of his/her peers, full compliance and support of the Association's Code of Ethics.
Russ Taylor Advocacy Awareness Award:
This award can be presented to any person who has shown dedication to the
field of addictions in various ways. This person does not need to be a member
of WVAAPP. Areas of work or participation to be considered for this prestigious
award are prevention, treatment and recovery. The nominee should have
substantial participation on local, state, or federal levels within our
profession.
Journey to the Profession Higher Education Scholarship:
WVAAPP supports ongoing professional development and achievement of formal education. The "Journey to the Profession Higher Education Scholarship" was established to honor our long time supporter and friend, Jean Haller. Although Jean is not from WV she supported the association many years by generously donating to our scholarship auction and bringing her traveling bookstore "Journeys of Life" to the conference. A WVAAPP member may nominate who is currently pursuing a degree (Associate, Bachelor, Master Degree) and has the intention of serving in the addictions profession. The $500 scholarship is made available through ongoing support from Jean Haller & Susie Mullens and WVAAPP. To nominate an individual, the person or group of persons nominating the candidate, must be able to document the individual's involvement in the profession and explain how the person has enhanced the addiction profession. Verification of current student status is required prior to the award.
Peer Recovery Award:
shall be given to a Certified Peer Recovery Support
Specialist who has contributed to the addiction and prevention profession. Eligibility for
this award is based on the following criteria: a. The nominee must be currently employed as
a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS); b. Be an active member in good
standing of the association (i.e., the individual must be a voting member as opposed to an honorary or nonvoting member); c. Be working with clients/patients for a sustained period
to foster recovery from substance use disorder(s); d. Be actively working as a PRSS for not less than three years before receiving
the "Peer Recovery" award; e.Have demonstrated total compliance and support of the Association's
Code of Ethics to their peers.
Prevention Professional Award:
shall be given to a Certified Prevention Specialist (PS I or PS II) who has contributed to the addiction and prevention profession. Eligibility for
this award is based on the following criteria: a. The nominee must be currently employed as
a Certified Prevention Specialist (PS I or PS II); b. Be an active member in good
standing of the association (i.e., the individual must be a voting member as opposed to an honorary or nonvoting member);c. Be working within
the prevention domains, specifically substance use, misuse, and disorder prevention; d. Be actively working as a PS I or PS II for not less than three years before receiving the "Prevention Professional" award; e. Have demonstrated total compliance and support of the Association's Code of Ethics to their peers.
